Court Mandate Forces Apple to Permit External Crypto Payments for App Store Applications
Apple has implemented a significant alteration to its App Store guidelines, granting developers of applications involving cryptocurrencies the ability to direct users to external websites for conducting transactions.
This adjustment comes as a direct result of a court ruling and paves the way for expanded functionality for decentralized applications (DApps) and non-fungible token (NFT) purchases directly via iOS devices, potentially leading to a larger user base and accelerated crypto adoption.
Policy Revision Driven by Legal Decision
A judicial decision in California siding with Epic Games was the catalyst for Apple allowing cryptocurrency transactions outside its proprietary App Store payment system.
This court order mandated that Apple cease its restrictive practices concerning external crypto payments.
Consequently, Apple’s long-held policy of levying a 30% commission on in-app purchases is effectively circumvented for these types of external transactions, marking what many observers consider a crucial turning point for the digital asset industry.
Expanded Opportunities for Crypto Development on iOS
This broadening of acceptable transaction methods provides developers with newfound flexibility.
They can now embed cryptocurrency purchase capabilities within their apps through links to external platforms, fostering a more diverse application ecosystem.
Provided developers comply with existing regulatory requirements like Know Your Customer (KYC), this policy change could spur greater interest in creating crypto-centric applications specifically for iOS.
The ability for users to more easily engage with DApps and purchase NFTs via their iPhones and iPads could be a significant driver of growth.
Crypto Sector Expresses Optimism
Reactions from the cryptocurrency community have been notably positive.
Tim Sweeney, chief executive of Epic Games, commented that had Apple applied this less restrictive, commission-free framework globally, his company would reintroduce Fortnite to the platform worldwide and consider ending related legal disputes.
Support for the change was also voiced by Ariel Michaeli of Appfigures, who underscored the increased operational freedom for applications needing to interface with external NFT marketplaces, particularly highlighting the potential benefits for mobile gaming titles that integrate cryptocurrencies.
It’s worth recalling that Apple’s previous enforcement of its 30% commission (often dubbed the “Apple tax”) created significant obstacles for many crypto and NFT apps, severely constraining their payment options until this mandated policy update.
Ethereum Market Context
At the time of reporting (around May 4, 2025), Ethereum (ETH) was trading near $1,834.61.
CoinMarketCap data indicated a market capitalization approaching $221.5 billion, equating to approximately 7.46% of the total crypto market share.
Its trading volume over the preceding 24 hours was around $9.07 billion.
While Ethereum experienced a minor price gain of 0.67% in those 24 hours, its value had declined by 29.18% over the trailing 90 days.
